US regulates emissions from fracking operations

New York Times : Yesterday, in the first federal effort to address the air pollution produced from hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, the Environmental Protection Agency issued new air-quality standards to take effect by January 2015, writes John Broder for the New York Times. The action was in response to complaints from environmental groups and citizens, who claim that gases escaping from the 13 000 fracking wells drilled each year are causing health problems and widespread air pollution. Once the rule becomes fully effective, oil and gas companies will have to capture the toxic gases—including methane, a powerful greenhouse gas—emitted from wells, storage sites, and pipelines. Although many in the industry are not happy with the decision, Gina McCarthy, head of the EPA’s office of air and radiation, said that the industry could meet the standards by deploying existing technology and that nearly half the wells drilled using hydraulic fracturing already have the necessary gas-capture equipment. The rule is expected to have a huge impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change.